How was your experience working with Varun Dhawan and Saqib Saleem in Dishoom?
Varun and I have known each other for many years... I think when I did Desi Boyz with his brother and director Rohit Dhawan. Then we used to meet regularly. We get along so well off screen that we translated that to on-screen chemistry. You will see both are very evident as to how comfortable we are with each other's skin, literally, even in the trunks (laughs). Saqib, Varun, Rohit and I got along like a house on fire. Varun never felt like he was working with a senior. He has done multi-hero films and he realises that sometimes things are right or wrong. Saqib is a real darling. He is damn sweet boy.
Why did you agree to Dishoom?
I said yes to Dishoom because of Rohit Dhawan. Since I did Desi Boyz with him, I know his potential as a director. Dishoom is a fantastic script, because Rohit concentrates not on the proposal but on the story that he wants to tell. It's very relevant in today’s time. If you heard a cricketer getting kidnapped is not something unheard of today; it is a possibility that can happen. So, taking from that very relevant space Rohit has created these two cops who goes and solve these problems. Kabir Shergil is a complete no-nonsense cop, always in a bad mood because he has been dumped by his girlfriend. He meets the guy, who does all the wrong things. How they get close and how their relationship grows through the entire film is what Dishoom is about.
What kind of action will we see in Dishoom?
Dishoom is not specifically an action film. It's a mix of everything. It’s got action, it’s got romance, and it’s got comedy, song and dance as well. Rohit was very sure what he wanted from his characters. There were times when Varun wanted to do something his way and Rohit would say no. For example, without hearing the script and based on just the characterization, I told Rohit I don't want to smoke, since it's not good. He said, ‘No bro, the character smokes and it's very important to the film.’ When you see the film, you will understand why. Of course, smoking is not so cool and we don't propagate it, but as a character sometimes you have to adopt certain characteristics.
Akshaye Khanna will be seen in a film after almost three years. What was it like working with him in Dishoom?
Akshaye Khanna is one of the best actors of our generation. It was an honour and pleasure working with him. I know he has been off the screen for a long time but I think each actor has got a life cycle where he goes up, comes down, stays out and then comes back with film. So I think Akshaye is up again as Dishoom is going to reintroduce him. We got along really well. He is quiet, reserved and a very nice soul. We have something in common -- both of us are half Parsi.
What keeps you motivated when you are having a tough time?
My biggest talent is that I never give up. I am very self-driven. That’s the only thing that keeps me going. If you have challenge, you have only two options either put your head down, walk out with feeling I am not good enough or you tell yourself I am better than the rest and I am gonna fight. I take criticism constructively but there is a difference between constructive criticism and people who try to hit you below the belt. It is an open forum for those on the internet. A lot of the criticism usually happens from an audience without a face or a name. And when you are faceless, you become the bravest person around.
How do you see your journey as an actor?
I think I am still learning. I am learning every day. There are certain films that were very special to me and in terms of performance I hold them very close to my heart, like Madras Café, New York, Taxi and Jism. It's not about me performing better with every film. Certain directors directed me very well. Like Aanand L Rai recently said, there is no good or bad actors, there are good or bad directors. It’s about casting and characterization right. And that's a fact.
Have you signed Hawa Singh yet?
No, I haven't signed Hawa Singh. I have met the family. I was offered the film but I haven't signed it. People ask me if I am nervous when a film releases. I feel nervous when I sign a film, not when a film releases. What can you do then? I have to be very sure before I sign any film. That's why I haven't signed a film after Force.